Howe is fighting a disease called esophagitis, which causes her esophagus to swell if she eats the wrong foods.

“It’s where your white blood cells don’t communicate right with the rest of your body,” she said. “I start puking, I start you know. It’s disgusting, sometimes I get hives. Sometimes I get rashes.”

Howe said she got the idea to apply for the essay contest from her tutor. Once she did her research, she felt an instant connection to his story.

“He was so courageous with everything he did in his life. It’s just amazing how he kept it all together,” she said.

It’s a trait she strives to emulate, especially when she gets teased.

“They’re afraid I’m contagious. And everybody knows I’m not contagious, but they just run away from me for fun. People make fun of me. That’s why I moved schools. Because a lot of people would be super mean to me,” she said.

Howe will be honored for her award at the Dodgers vs. Diamondbacks game at Chase Field in Phoenix on Friday night, April 21.